Cozy mysteries are, most often, fun reads that are set in quaint towns with charming protagonists. BEARLY DEPARTED, the brand new book from Meg Mims (who also writes as part of the D.E. Ireland team) clearly takes the award for the most adorable premise and cover I’ve seen! I love that the series is called ‘A Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery‘ and the book lives up to its name. Having taken my two granddaughters to Build-A-Bear numerous times, I enjoyed the insider’s view of running a teddy bear factory and shop. The bits and pieces on how the bears are created added to the authenticity of the story.
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The protagonist, Sasha Silverman, manages her family’s Silver Bear Shop and Factory in Silver Hollow, Michigan, working alongside her sister and her uncle. She has a very close relationship with her family and I enjoyed seeing their interaction and care for each other. The author takes time to set the stage by introducing the reader to the town, the people who live there, and to the teddy bear shop. While it might seem a tad slow starting out, I appreciate having the chance to get to know the characters and envisioning the town. I personally think it strengthens future books in the series by having a solid foundation. I also loved the tours of the teddy bear factory that Sasha conducts, particularly her interaction with the group of Girls Scouts. She comes across as a caring person, genuinely interested in the girls and in the impact her family business has on the community.
Once the Silver Bear Shop’s arrogant sales rep, Will Taylor, is found murdered in the factory, the story takes off and the pace picks up, keeping the reader turning pages to find out what happens next. With Sasha’s uncle a suspect in the murder, she becomes invested in finding the killer while trying to save the shop from financial ruin. There is a suspenseful ending that wraps up all the loose threads of the story together, making for a satisfying conclusion. This adorably cute book has it all: charming characters, suspense, a quaint town, and a story line that keeps the reader guessing. The only downside? I have to wait for the second book to be released before I can read more of this series!
While there aren’t any recipes in the book, Meg asked me to develop Teddy Bear Rolls based on a photo she had seen. These darling rolls are reminiscent of conchas, with their sweet bread and cookie dough accents. While there are a lot of steps to making these, the process really isn’t difficult. It’s kind of like playing with play dough 🙂 My granddaughters loved them and I think they would be adorable to serve at a tea party or at a children’s party where a meal is served. And I’ll have to admit, I had the children’s song “Picnic Time for Teddy Bears” running through my head the entire time I made these Teddy Bear Rolls…
Amazon Synopsis
The Silver Bear Shop and Factory might be the cutest place around, but there’s nothing warm and fuzzy about murder . . .
As manager of the family teddy bear shop and factory, thirty-one-year-old Sasha Silverman leads a charmed life. Well, except for the part about being a single divorcée with a ticking biological clock in small-town Silver Hollow. And that’s just kid’s stuff compared to Will Taylor, the sales rep who’s set on making drastic changes to the business her parents built from scratch—with or without Sasha’s approval . . .
But before Will digs his claws in, someone pulls the stuffing out of his plan . . . and leaves his dead body inside the factory. Reeling from shock, Sasha’s hit with more bad news—police suspect her hot-tempered Uncle Ross may have murdered him. Sasha knows her uncle would never do such a thing, and she’s launching her own little investigation to expose the truth. As she tracks Will’s biggest rivals and enemies for clues, Sasha can’t get too comfy—or she’ll become the next plaything for a killer . . .
A huge thank you to Meg Macy for providing a print copy for one lucky winner! Contest ends Monday, May 29, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Ingredients
- Dough
- 1 package (2-1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed to 110 degrees (F)
- 2-1/4 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
- 2 tablespoons non-fat powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, whisked and divided*
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- *1 tablespoon beaten egg
- 27 brown M & Ms candies
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, lend the yeast, warmed milk, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let rest for 5 - 7 minutes or until mixture is bubbly.
- Using the hook attachment add the sugar, powdered milk, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the beaten egg.
- With the mixer set to low speed, slowly add the flour and knead until combined.
- Add the butter to the dough.
- Mix until butter is incorporated then increase speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes.
- The dough should be tacky but not super sticky. If it seems to dry, add a teaspoon of egg and knead in for a minute before testing. If the dough appears too sticky, add 1 teaspoon of flour at a time, kneading well before testing and adding additional if needed.
- Once the dough is smooth, remove and place in a well-greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
- While the dough is resting, make the cookie crust garnish.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and confectioners' sugar together.
- Add the salt and flour, and mix until incorporated.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the beaten egg and the vanilla extract.
- Mix until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the cookie dough tightly with plastic and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and form dough into 9 large golf-ball-sized balls that are shaped oblong and 18 small balls for teddy bears' ears.
- Moisten the edges of the small balls with a bit of water and attach 2 to each roll to form the ears, flattening the dough into a half circle shape.
- Set each teddy bear roll onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator and pinch off a small portion to form the snout of the bear. Gently pat or roll the cookie dough piece into a circle then place on the bottom of the oblong-shaped roll.
- Use a sharp knife to score a line from where the nose and mouth will be to the bottom of the cookie dough.
- Pinch off 2 small portions of cookie dough and use the same process to create 2 half circles for the ears.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
- Allow the teddy bear rolls to rest for 30 - 45 minutes until puffy.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the leftover egg mixture.
- Bake for 19 - 22 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool while you make the sugar paste.
- Mix 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar with 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon water. You want it to be a thick paste that won't drip.
- Attach M & Ms using the sugar paste, forming the eyes and nose of the teddy bears.
- Serve with plenty of honey because that's what bears like!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Gently rewarm the rolls in the microwave before serving.
- I like to use my cold oven with the light turned on to allow the dough to rise. Just be sure to not accidentally turn the oven on!
- If the cookie ears slip off during baking, gently adhere back into position with the sugar paste.
- A few of my bears looked like they needed to visit the teddy bear hospital at The Silver Bear Factory, but they were still delicious!
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I was provided an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Yes, I do have several of my favorite bears from childhood. I just cannot bring myself to get rid of them.
I kept 1 from my childhood and have it sitting on the rocking chair my husband used as a toddler!
I have a few teddy bears from my childhood. I will never get rid of them. I love the cover of this book and I can’t wait to read it.
ADORBS!! I hope my daughter takes on the challenge of baking these rolls. She loves making bread from scratch.
Oh, AND THANK YOU so much for having me on your blog today!! What a great review, thanks! So glad you enjoyed Bearly Departed.
I loved your interview and the recipe for the cute teddy bear rolls.
It was certainly my pleasure hosting your wonderful book on my blog! Thanks for the opportunity and for inspiration to create these teddy bear rolls… so much fun!
I have collected all kinds of bears since I was a teenager. I have a collection of cherished teddies too that I have had for years. Plenty of different stuffed ones in all sizes.
I still have my Knickerbocker Teddy Bear with moveable arms, legs, and head. It’s almost 65 like me. Several years back we took it to a doll hospital and had a new foot pad etc put on and it’s just so huggable.
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Love the teddy bear theme.
At 61 years old I still have a small teddybear that was my Mom, I gave it to her one year for Christmas, Great review and love that recipe I will make it, thanks
Penney
Not a teddy bear but a cherished little pink kitten. My Daddy gave it to me years ago to try and cheer me up when I was laid up one summer with 10 stitches in the bottom of my foot
Aww! kitten or teddy, both are sweet company when you’re needing it. 🙂
These are adorable. I still have the teddy bear I had when I was a little girl and am starting to collect teddy bears.
I have several dolls that were given to me by my maternal grandmother that I cherish. As I got older I collected books and bears. I have many, many bears as well as books. I love them all so much so I feel I’ll love reading this book too.
I loved stuffed animals better than dolls as a child(still do!) but I didn’t have a special bear!
I don’t have a teddy bear from my childhood, but I do have 2 teddy bears that my Grandsons mad for me at Build a Bear for my birthday & valentines day. Thanks for this generous giveaway & I love the recipe.
I no longer have my childhood teddy bear but I have one my grandson’s gave me.
Those rolls are so CUTE! I didn’t have a teddy bear — I had elephants that my grandmother made me from flannel that went with me everywhere. I went through at least 2 a year, and they were all named Dumbo.
Aww, Dumbo(s) sound wonderful – I had a stuffed mouse – Jerry from Tom/Jerry cartoon – when I was a kid.
I still have the Teddy Bear that I got as a child 65 years ago. Thanks for a great recipe. I can’t wait to read this new series.
The Teddy Bear Rolls recipe has me drooling. The book cover is so stinkin’ cute! I have oodles more bears as an adult. I’m thinking this book is calling my name. Thanks for the recipe & chance to win Bearly Departed.
I didn’t have a bear as a child but lots of dolls.As an adult bears fill my house but my favorite are 3inch or smaller handmade bears. My very big son now and again will do one for me as a surprise..He also a great cook and baker and I know my grandsons would love the teddy bear rolls so will show him this recipe. This book sure looks like it would fit right in with all things Teddy.
Tiny bears! I had a photo posted on my Facebook page with tiny bears. So darling!
No i had no teddy bears as was in a foster home well several father took me to police station and told them i was home all the time by myself all he took was me. That was all i had were the clothes on my back from rec home to both foster homes and to wrap it up when i got to go with my grandparents at `16 all i got to take were the clothes on my back as we had to get out quick. Many years ago and give teddy bears all the time for presents. When i volunteered for the county for 9 years i made sure every case i went on they had a blanket and a stuff animal and i told them that was theirs to take when they left any home and i made it clear to the foster parents when i dropped them off.
How wonderful that you took on that project!
Peggy, what an amazing story of resilience over a very difficult childhood! Bless you for learning from your hardship and volunteering to make other childrens’ lives better!!!
I didn’t have a teddy bear but had a stuffed kitty. After 50 years, she looks good too.
I had a stuffed dog instead that I slept with every night as a kid. He’s pretty worn but I do still have him. The teddy rolls look amazing. I have a friend who makes awesome teddy memory bears so maybe I will have her make me one then I’ll have my own teddy bear.
I had a large teddy bear and a Paddington bear. But my favorite stuffed animal was a large black cat.
I love teddy bears and hhave many. Sure hope to win this book it sounds fun.
What a cute cover and a unique setting for the mystery. I looked forward to reading this one
What a cute cover and a unique setting for the mystery. I looked forward to reading this one. I had a teddy bear that my boyfriend now hubby gave me. I ke0t it an day kids had it when they were little too
Yes, I had a much bandaged and loved teddy! Those rolls are so cute! Thanks!
No bears from my childhood. Have several bears now.
Special teddy bear? Well, I have always enjoyed stuffed animals from childhood to retirement, but I was a Mickey Mouse fan. I have a stuffed Mickey I bought when I attended my 1972 Grad Night in Disneyland. It had a prominent decorative role for decades.
Fantastic job! These are truly inspired.
Perfect for our family! My daughter in law is nicknamed Annabear, so my son became Frankiebear, and our new grandson is Babybear! Always watching out for bear themed fun!
Such cute nicknames for your family!
I have a pair of “kissing” teddy bears that my mom and dad gave me one year for Valentines. I will never get rid of them.
No I don’t have a bear from childhood, my kids still have quite a few of their stuffed toys and I’m sure there’s a bear of two in there.
I am so excited for this series to start! The teddy bear rolls are so cute. I used to collect Boyd’s Bears, and I still have a few of them left.
I have a few dolls and a stuffed monkey, but not a teddy bear.
What a fun review! Who doesn’t love teddy bears? I have a number of special Boyd’s teddy bears. Someday when I’m feeling ambitious I’ll make those adorable teddy bear rolls and host a Teddy Bear Picnic Tea Party for my younger grandkids!
The rolls are adorable. I look forward to reading this series. I’ve collected bears ever since the 80’s craze of Care Bears. I lost a lot of my collection in a house fire in 2014. Treasure the ones I have left. Thanks for the giveaway.
No teddy bears but I still have several Steiff animals that my dad gave me back in the 50s. Too bad I took those buttons on their ears off!
Oh my, yes. Would they be valuable with the buttons!
Yes, I do have my very first teddy bear. I don’t think my Mom let me play with it, because it still looks like new.
I do not. But my sister did.
I got a teddy bear as a gift from a former boyfriend and I used to keep it on my bed for many years. I think it’s still in my basement! This looks like a great new series, can’t wait to read it!
I don’t have a bear from my childhood but when I was diagnosed with cancer while 21 weeks pregnant, my sweet husband purchased a teddy bear for me to go to all my hospital appointments and stays. I still have this sweet bear – it’s been 22 years!
I used to have a very large teddy bear. He got lost in one of our moves. I would love to win a print copy of Bearly Departed. Thank you for the chance.
As a Teddy Bear collector I need to read this book! Also want to try the rolls.. If the author needs another recipe, I believe I have the instructions to make a Teddy bear cake.
I do have a teddy bear from when I was a kid (I’m 56 now). I also have a stuffed bulldog from when I was about 3 yrs. old. I love how cute the teddy bear bread looks. It makes me want to make it. 🙂
I did have a Teddy Bear named “Teddy” not very original I know! And when I worked in a museum we had the antique ones also and they were wonderful. Thank you for a chance to read this.
Marilyn [email protected]
Yes still have my childhood teddy, Benjamin!
Thanks for the chance
Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
I don’t have my teddy bear unfortunately. I was an Army brat and some how with all the moving around it disappeared along the way. However, I have two very special teddy bears that belonged to my daughter that are extremely special to me. You see we lost our daughter when she was 17 so having her bears that were special to her are more important to me than anything that I could have owned. One in particular has a double meaning as well. My Mom actually made her a teddy bear and did an amazing job in doing so. That bear means a lot because of the connection to two of the most important people in my life. I wouldn’t take anything for them.
The recipe sounds not only delicious but adorable. We just may have to try it when the little ones come.
BEARLY DEPARTED sounds like an amazing book to read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Kay, I am so very sorry for your loss! I can’t even begin to imagine the heartbreak your family has experienced. Thank you for sharing just how special her teddy bears have become to you <3
So sorry to hear about your daughter. How wonderful that you have her bears! And the one your mom made, sweet!
I had a big teddy bear that iloved
I had lots of teddy bears as a child—and no human dolls. But my favorite stuffed toy was a stuffed lamb–Lambie Pie. I sure wish I would have been able to keep him.
I did have a teddy bear, it was a cream and pink. I don’t remember where it came from, it wasn’t new, and I don’t remember what happened to it. My mom can’t remember either!
His name is Teddy & I still have him.
I still have a teddy bear that my Grandparents gave to me when I was 3. Her name is “Sandy Bear.”
what a great idea for a mystery! I have collected teddy bears for many years, so am especially excited to read this. Congratulations on launching a new series!
Yes I have the smoky the bear from the 1950s the recipe sounds delicious! I do want this book. Thank you
I never had a teddy bear. I made sure both of my sons did, and I’ve made some over the years – at a local Build-a Bear, and some handmade.
It’s been quite a while since I thought of my childhood bear. I think it is in my daughter’s closet. I might have to check! I now have a nice collection of Boyd’s Bears. 🙂 Love bears, and those rolls are too cute!
No I did not have a Teddy Bear when I was little. I do love Teddy Bears though!
I don’t think I had any teddy bears. But I have saved a few from my children.
No teddy bear, but had a Felix the Cat and a Charlie Weaver toy. Both were left behind when we moved.
Oh no! Poor Felix and Charlie Weaver – hopefully some other child inherited them.
I got one from an old boyfriend. I think it’s stuffed away in the shed in a big plastic storage box.
What a great plot and like so many readers, I love Teddy Bears. Who can resist them. They are so cute!
I had dolls and stuffed animals but no Teddy bear. I kept my daughter’s and now my granddaughter has several!
Thanks for this giveaway.
I have a grand little guy. He’s about 65 now. A bit tattered. But he has seen me through much. He is predominately purple in color. A swirl of five or six colors. They used to call the patterning ‘psychedelic’. He has a very “original” name. Teddy. He has seen my kids through a lot as well. He now resides as Lord of the Bedroom, where he keeps and eye on things and oversees my bed time on a regular basis.
Lord of the Bedroom! LOL
I don’t remember being g a teddy bear collector as a child but I did have them over the years. With the last name if Bayer everyone that didn’t see it sold out thought if bear so that wasn’t the most fun to have someone joking about your last name all the time. ?As a grandmother I have bought lots if bears and they are always displayed in our stairway from the first to the second floor for Christmas and Easter and Valentine’s Day all with appropriate accompaniments for the specific holidays. The grand kids love decorating them now which is a lot if fun to watch. Thanks for the recipe.Cynthia B
When I was a baby, I had a stuffed rabbit that I still have. When I was an adult, my mother gave me a bear that made music when you pressed a button. When Mom developed Alzheimer’s and had to go into care, I gave it to her, and she loved having it, along with her other dolls. Unfortunately it disappeared before she passed away, so it’s gone. But the thought of the joy it gave her makes me smile, and it remains special to me, even though I don’t have it to cuddle.
no, but my brother did.